Wednesday, February 6, 2019

14 Days of Love – Day 6 – He Hates Me





“In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.””  – Numbers 14:19

 

I have heard many people tell me they hope God forgives them, or that they hope they are good enough to get into heaven.  Lord knows I do not have all of the answers, but I truly believe that God forgives ALL sin, and not a single one of us will ever be good enough to get into heaven.  Thankfully, that’s not a requirement.  A good friend of mine once came forward and told me of some unbelievable things that he had done in his past.  He was completely wrought with shame and embarrassment, but even worse he was convinced that God hated him for what he had done.  His logic was deeply engrained from his upbringing, that God was an angry Father who required us to walk in perfect submission in order to be accepted.  The slightest stumble would cost him his salvation and he would spend eternity in hell.  Such confusion exists in so many hearts today that it makes it near impossible for people to truly understand the love of God the Father.

The question at the heart of these concerns is really a question of God’s anger.  We hear so much about Gods love that we often fail to consider that He does also get angry with mankind.  Consider the context of this scripture in Numbers.  God had brought His children out of Egypt to reach the promised land, flowing with milk and honey.  In Numbers 13 we find them at the precipice of entering the land of Canaan, that God had promised them.  At God’s request Moses sends 12 spies into the land to report back about the land and the people living there in.  They returned and reported that the land indeed flowed with milk and honey, but the people there were giants and much stronger.  Caleb and Joshua stepped forward and insisted that indeed the others were larger and stronger, but with God they could defeat them. The people demanded that Moses and Aaron not go into the land, and they accused the Lord of bringing them out of Egypt to die at the hands of these people.  This drew God’s anger upon the people.  Not because of their sin, but because of their denial.  They denied Him and His promise, despite the miracles and provisions He had given to them, they were still blind to His love for them.  In the above scripture we see Moses asking the Lord to forgive these people rather than put them all to death.  With the depth of God’s love, He forgives them, but does not forgo their punishment.  For their stubbornness and rebellion, they are not allowed to enter the promised land.  Joshua and Caleb will enter in, forty years later, after each and every one of the people who left Egypt had died in the desert.

Does God get angry?  Yes, when we deny Him and His glory.  Through His son Jesus Christ we are promised eternal life in heaven one day.  Just as the children coming out of Egypt, God has made a promise to those who will follow Him.  He promises that all of our sins are forgiven, lest one and that is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, as stated in Mark 3:29.  God does not promise that we will not endure hardships, pains and struggles in response to our sinful actions and choices in life.  He does promise to forgive our sins and by His grace allow us entry into heaven.  You see, you don’t deserve to go to heaven and you’ll never be good enough to make it either.

God provided a way for you though, by His grace, He gave us salvation through His son.  So put away the thoughts that you aren’t good enough, you’re not and can never be, but He offers His grace anyway.  Put away the thoughts that God can’t forgive your sin, He already did when Christ rose from the dead.  Put away that thought that God doesn’t love you because you are suffering or have trouble, He loves you beyond measure, but there are some things which you must grow from and become a stronger follower.  He wants your obedience, trust and love – it’s not that much to ask.

Prayer:
Loving Father,
Forgive us for our sinful nature.  Build within us a stronger heart for You and a desire to live within Your will.  We look to You for our wisdom and guidance, Thank you for Your grace.  In Your name we pray – Amen



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